Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey - Federal Legislative and Program Uses - Census.gov
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Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey Federal Legislative and Program Uses Issued March 2018
Contents Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Protecting the Information Collected by These Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Questions Planned for the 2020 Census. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Citizenship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Hispanic Origin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Race. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Relationship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Tenure (Owner/Renter). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Operational Questions for use in the 2020 Census.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Questions Planned for the American Community Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Acreage and Agricultural Sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Ancestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Commuting (Journey to Work). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Computer and Internet Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Disability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Fertility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Grandparent Caregivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Health Insurance Coverage and Health Insurance Premiums and Subsidies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Hispanic Origin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Home Heating Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Home Value and Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Industry, Occupation, and Class of Worker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Labor Force Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Language Spoken at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Marital Status and Marital History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Migration (Previous Residence)/Residence 1 Year Ago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Place of Birth, Citizenship, and Year of Entry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Plumbing Facilities, Kitchen Facilities, and Telephone Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Race. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Relationship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 School Enrollment, Educational Attainment, and Undergraduate Field of Degree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Selected Monthly Owner Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Sex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Tenure (Owner/Renter). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Units in Structure, Rooms, and Bedrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Vehicles Available. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Veteran Status, Period of Military Service, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Service-Connected Disability Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Work Status Last Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Year Built and Year Moved In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Operational Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Appendix A: Year the Planned Questions Were First Asked in the Decennial Census Program. . . . . . . . . . . A1 U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey iii
Introduction BACKGROUND produce comparable data for every geographic area recognized by the Census Bureau. Since 1790, a national census of the U.S. population has been conducted every 10 years, as required by the SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS PLANNED FOR U.S. Constitution. Additional information beyond the population count has been collected with each census THE 2020 DECENNIAL CENSUS PROGRAM in response to the challenges facing the nation and a The Census Act requires that the questions to be national desire to understand ourselves. included in the next census be submitted to Congress no later than 2 years before the census date. The For much of the 20th century, most addresses contents of this handbook describe the questions that received a “short” form, while a portion of addresses will be asked on the 2020 Census and the ACS. received a more detailed “long” form. The Census 2000 short form was designed to collect basic ABOUT THE QUESTIONS PLANNED FOR demographic and housing information (i.e., age, THE 2020 DECENNIAL CENSUS PROGRAM sex, race, Hispanic origin, relationship, and tenure) to be used for congressional apportionment and to Throughout each decade, regular content reviews are provide data to states for intrastate redistricting. The conducted to ensure that the information collected long form, sent to approximately 1 in 6 households, through the decennial census program is required by collected social, housing, and economic information federal programs.2 (e.g., educational attainment, disability status, To prepare for the 2020 Census, the Office of employment status, income, and housing costs) that Management and Budget and the Census Bureau was used to plan and determine funding for a wide embarked on a comprehensive review including array of federal, state, local, and tribal programs. chartering the Interagency Council on Statistical Policy Since 2005, in order to provide communities, (ICSP) Subcommittee on the ACS and conducting the businesses, and the public with the detailed long- 2014 ACS Content Review. This effort was designed form information more frequently, these data have to examine and confirm the value of each question been collected monthly (and released annually) on the ACS, and to confirm and update the statutory through the American Community Survey (ACS).1 and regulatory authority for the questions with federal This innovation enabled the 2010 Census to be a agencies. In 2016, the Census Bureau asked federal “short-form-only” census. Decoupling the collection agencies to provide any updates to this documentation. of short- and long-form data allowed the U.S. Census The resulting information about federal uses is Bureau to focus decennial census efforts on the presented throughout the descriptions of the questions constitutional requirements to produce a count of on the following pages. These descriptions are the resident population, while employing technology designed to give the reader a clear understanding in both collections to improve efficiencies, improve of 1) the relationship between questions asked of accuracy, and reduce costs. The result has been respondents and the summarized data that are the dissemination of more current and detailed released in published tables, 2) how federal agencies information than has ever been available. use the resulting data, and 3) the benefits of the data at The 2020 Decennial Census Program, comprised of the community level. the 2020 Census and the ACS, will provide an official count through a "short-form-only" census (i.e., age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, relationship, tenure, and citizenship), as well as a portrait of communities counted across the nation through data collected by the ACS. This program is the only data-gathering effort that collects information from enough people to 1 The ACS also collects short-form data on its questionnaire. However, the ACS asks for basic demographic and housing 2 Selected statutory uses of each subject are published in the information from a sample of households, while the decennial "Subjects Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community census asks for basic demographic and housing information from all Survey," available at . U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 1
Protecting the Information Collected by These Questions The Census Bureau has an obligation to produce •• We promise to inform respondents about the accurate, relevant statistics about the nation’s purpose and uses for every survey or census we economy and people, but we recognize that the conduct before respondents provide answers. information collected by these questions is often private. We depend on cooperation and trust, Respectful treatment of respondents: Are our and promise to protect the confidentiality of this efforts reasonable and do we treat people with information. respect? Federal law protects this information; Title 13 of the •• We promise to minimize the effort and time it takes U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all collected for respondents to participate in the data collection information. Violating this law is a crime with severe by efficient designs. penalties. Please visit professionally accepted practices in collecting data. for details. •• We promise to ensure any collection of sensitive OUR PRIVACY PRINCIPLES information from children and other sensitive populations does not violate federal protections We recognize the value of respondent trust, and for research participants and is done only when it we believe that when a person answers the 2020 benefits the public good. Census or the ACS we must serve as caretakers of the information. The Census Bureau’s Privacy Principles Confidentiality: How do we protect this remind us of this promise and help ensure the information? protection of respondent information throughout all of our activities. In addition to removing personally identifiable information (i.e., names, telephone numbers, and The Privacy Principles are our guidelines. They help addresses) from our data files, we use various us as we determine content to consider respondents’ approaches to protect personal information—including rights and concerns. Every principle embodies a computer technologies, statistical methodologies, and promise to the respondent. security procedures. Necessity: Do we need to collect information on Our security measures ensure that only a restricted this question? number of authorized people have access to private information and that access is only granted to conduct Every time we prepare to ask a question, we our work and for no other purposes. Every person who determine whether the information is truly necessary. works with census confidential information collected by All of the information we collect is used for federal the Census Bureau is sworn for life to uphold the law. programs. Violating the confidentiality of a respondent is a •• We promise to collect only information necessary federal crime with serious penalties, including a for each survey and census. federal prison sentence of up to 5 years, a fine of up •• We promise that we will use the information only to $250,000, or both. to produce timely, relevant statistics about the •• We promise that every person with access to population and the economy of the United States. respondent information is sworn for life to protect respondent confidentiality. Openness: Do respondents know why we are collecting this information? •• We promise that we will use every technology, We collect information only for statistical purposes, statistical methodology, and physical security and it is never used to identify individuals. Before procedure at our disposal to protect respondent participating, respondents have the right to know why information. we are conducting the survey or census, why we are asking specific questions, and the purposes for which the information will be used. 2 Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey
Age asked since 1790. living safely in their homes and communities (Older ANSWERS TO THE AGE AND DATE OF Americans Act). Age data are also used in programs BIRTH QUESTION PROVIDE THE DATA that provide services and assistance to seniors, such THAT HELP US UNDERSTAND THE SIZE as financial assistance with utilities (Low Income Home OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AND Energy Assistance Program). HOW OTHER CHARACTERISTICS MAY VARY BY AGE. Provide Assistance to Children and Families Knowing the numbers and ages of children in families can help communities enroll eligible families in Age data are used in planning and funding programs designed to assist them. For example, age government programs that provide funds or services data are used in targeted efforts to enroll eligible for specific age groups, such as children, working- people in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance age adults, women of childbearing age, or the Program. older population. These statistics are also used to enforce laws, regulations, and policies against Educate Children and Adults age discrimination in government programs and in Knowing how many children and adults depend on society. services through schools helps school districts make long-term building, staffing, and funding decisions. AGE DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: Ensure Equal Opportunity Provide Assistance to Older Americans Knowing the age distribution of a community’s Knowing how many people in a community are aged population helps government and communities 60 and older helps local officials provide programs enforce laws, regulations, and policies against and services that enable older adults to remain discrimination based on age. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 5
Citizenship asked since 1820.1 CITIZENSHIP DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: A QUESTION ABOUT A PERSON'S CITIZENSHIP IS USED TO CREATE Enforce Voting Rights Law STATISTICS ABOUT CITIZEN AND Knowing how many people reside in the community NONCITIZEN POPULATIONS. and how many of those people are citizens, in combination with other information, provides the statistical information that helps the government These statistics are essential for enforcing the Voting enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and its Rights Act and its protections against voting protections against discrimination in voting. discrimination. Understand Changes Knowing how many citizens and noncitizens live in the United States, in combination with other information, is of interest to researchers, advocacy groups, and policymakers. 1 Citizenship asked 1820, 1830, 1870, and 1890 to present. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 7
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Hispanic Origin asked since 1970. HISPANIC ORIGIN DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: A QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER A PERSON IS OF HISPANIC, LATINO, OR Ensure Equal Opportunity SPANISH ORIGIN IS USED TO CREATE We ask about the Hispanic or Latino origin of STATISTICS ABOUT THIS ETHNIC community members to help governments and GROUP. communities enforce antidiscrimination laws, regulations, and policies. For example, data on the These data are required for federal and state Hispanic population are used to: programs and are critical factors in the basic research •• Establish and evaluate the guidelines for federal behind numerous policies, particularly for civil affirmative action plans under the Federal Equal rights. Hispanic origin data are used in planning and Opportunity Recruitment Program. funding government programs that provide funds •• Monitor compliance with the Voting Rights Act. or services for specific groups. These data are also used to evaluate government programs and policies •• Monitor and enforce equal employment to ensure they fairly and equitably serve the needs of opportunities under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. the Hispanic population and to monitor compliance •• Identify segments of the population who may not with antidiscrimination laws, regulations, and policies. be getting needed medical services under the States also use these data to meet legislative Public Health Service Act. redistricting requirements. Understand Changes Though many respondents expect to see a Hispanic, Researchers, advocacy groups, and policymakers Latino, or Spanish category on the race question, are interested in knowing if the distribution of the this question is asked separately because people of Hispanic and non-Hispanic population changes by age, Hispanic origin may be of any race(s) in accordance sex, relationship, and housing tenure. with the 1997 Office of Management and Budget standards on race and ethnicity. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 9
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Race asked since 1790. used to evaluate government programs and policies A QUESTION ABOUT A PERSON’S to ensure they fairly and equitably serve the needs RACE IS USED TO CREATE STATISTICS of all racial groups and to monitor compliance with ABOUT RACE AND TO PRESENT antidiscrimination laws, regulations, and policies. States OTHER STATISTICS BY RACE GROUPS. also use these data to meet legislative redistricting requirements. The U.S. Census Bureau collects race data in These data are required for federal, state, and accordance with the 1997 Office of Management and tribal programs and are critical factors in the basic Budget standards on race and ethnicity. The categories research behind numerous policies, particularly on race are based on self-identification and generally for civil rights. Race data are used in planning and reflect a social definition of race. The categories funding government programs that provide funds are not an attempt to define race biologically, or services for specific groups. These data are also anthropologically, or genetically. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 11
Race asked since 1790—Con. RACE DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: Understand Changes Researchers, advocacy groups, and policymakers are Ensure Equal Opportunity interested in knowing if the distribution of the different Knowing the races of community members racial groups changes by age, sex, relationship, and helps government and communities enforce housing tenure. antidiscrimination laws, regulations, and policies. For example, race data are used in the following ways: Administer Programs for Specific Groups •• Establish and evaluate the guidelines for federal Knowing how many people are eligible to participate affirmative action plans under the Federal Equal in certain programs helps communities, including tribal Opportunity Recruitment Program. governments, ensure that programs are operating as intended. For example, the Indian Housing Block •• Monitor compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Grant program, Indian Community Development Block Grant program, and Indian Health Service all depend •• Monitor and enforce equal employment on accurate statistics of American Indians and Alaska opportunities under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Natives. Data for the American Indian and Alaska •• Identify segments of the population who may not Native population come from the question about a be getting needed medical services under the person’s race. Public Health Service Act. 12 Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey U.S. Census Bureau
Relationship asked since 1880. RELATIONSHIP DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: A QUESTION ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP OF EACH PERSON IN Provide Adequate Housing A HOUSEHOLD TO ONE CENTRAL Knowing about the different types of households PERSON IS USED TO CREATE in a community (single people, couples, families, ESTIMATES ABOUT FAMILIES, roommates, etc.) helps communities understand HOUSEHOLDS, AND OTHER GROUPS, whether available housing meets the needs of AND TO PRESENT OTHER DATA AT A residents. HOUSEHOLD LEVEL. When housing is not sufficient or not affordable, relationship data can help communities enroll eligible households in programs designed to assist them, Relationship data are used in planning and funding and can help communities qualify for grants from government programs that provide funds or services the Community Development Block Grant, HOME for families, people living or raising children alone, Investment Partnership Program, Emergency Solutions grandparents living with grandchildren, or other Grant, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS, households that qualify for additional assistance. and other programs. Provide Assistance to Families Knowing more about families, such as the ages of children, can help communities enroll eligible families in programs designed to assist them, such as Head Start and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and can help communities qualify for grants to fund these programs. Relationship data are also used to ensure that programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families are making a difference for families. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 13
Relationship asked since 1880—Con. Understand Changing Households Information about living arrangements and how they young children, can help communities plan future are changing, including whether older residents are programs and services for residents. For example, staying in their homes as they age, whether young the Social Security Administration estimates future people are living with parents or moving in with program needs based on the current relationships of roommates, and which kinds of households include working people. 14 Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey U.S. Census Bureau
Sex asked since 1790. Ensure Equal Opportunity A QUESTION ABOUT THE SEX OF Data disaggregated by sex are used to evaluate EACH PERSON IS USED TO CREATE employment practices under the Civil Rights Act of STATISTICS ABOUT MALES AND 1964. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, FEMALES AND TO PRESENT OTHER using sex-disaggregated data, establishes and DATA BY SEX. evaluates guidelines dealing with equal employment opportunity. Data disaggregated by sex are used to evaluate housing policies and practices under the Civil Data disaggregated by sex are used in planning and Rights Act. funding government programs and in evaluating other government programs and policies to ensure Understand Changes they fairly and equitably serve the needs of males State and local planners analyze social and economic and females. These statistics are also used to enforce characteristics of males and females to predict future laws, regulations, and policies against discrimination in needs for housing, education, childcare, health care, government programs and in society. transportation, and employment. DATA DISAGGREGATED BY SEX HELP COMMUNITIES: Provide Resources for Education Data disaggregated by sex are used to allocate funds to institutions of higher learning that increase participation, particularly of minority women, in scientific and engineering programs under the Higher Education Act. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 15
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Tenure (Owner/Renter) asked since 1890. Plan Community Development A QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER A Knowing how the balance of rented homes, HOME IS OWNED OR RENTED IS USED mortgaged homes, and homes owned free and TO CREATE DATA ABOUT TENURE, clear changes over time can help communities RENTERS, AND HOMEOWNERSHIP. understand changes in local housing markets; identify opportunities to improve tax, assistance, and zoning policies; and reduce tax revenue losses from vacant or Tenure is the most basic characteristic to assess abandoned properties. housing inventory. Tenure data are used in government programs that analyze whether adequate housing is Ensure Equal Opportunity available to residents. Tenure data are also used to Knowing the characteristics of people who rent and provide and fund housing assistance programs. These people who own homes in the community, such as statistics are also used to enforce laws, regulations, age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin, helps government and policies against discrimination in private-market and communities enforce laws, such as the 1968 Fair housing, government programs, and in society. Housing Act, designed to eliminate discrimination in housing. TENURE DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: Understand Changing Households Provide Adequate Housing Knowing whether older residents are staying in homes Knowing the rates of home rental and ownership helps as they age or moving into rented homes, and whether communities understand whether available housing young people are staying with parents, renting with meets the needs of residents. roommates, or buying homes, can help governments When housing is not sufficient, data about owners and communities distribute funds appropriately and renters can help communities enroll eligible between homeownership and rental housing programs households in programs designed to assist them. and services for residents. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 17
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Operational Questions for use in the 2020 Census. Some operational questions will appear on the 2020 Census that will not result in published counts. These questions are asked to better administer the data collection process and to ensure greater accuracy of the data collected. Contact information is not part of published estimates and is carefully protected, as mandated by federal law, to respect the personal information of respondents. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 19
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Questions Planned for the American Community Survey
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Acreage and asked since 1960. Agricultural Sales asked since 1960. eliminate those units that might benefit from farm QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACREAGE subsidies and therefore have lower-than-market rents. ASSOCIATED WITH HOUSES, MOBILE Understanding which kinds of properties are eligible HOMES, AND AGRICULTURAL SALES for certain programs helps communities inform eligible ARE USED TO CREATE DATA ABOUT residents and determine whether the community is AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIES AND TO eligible for funds based on its farm population. BETTER UNDERSTAND HOME VALUE Support Agricultural Programs STATISTICS. Knowing which areas of a community are agricultural helps communities ensure eligible institutions receive These data are used in planning government programs funding for cooperative agricultural extension work designed to benefit the farm population and identifying and agricultural research. This funding is distributed to or excluding agricultural areas for many other eligible institutions based on a legislatively determined programs. formula that uses these data. ACREAGE AND AGRICULTURAL SALES Plan Community Development DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: Knowing the size and agricultural nature of areas of each community can help communities Provide Equitable Housing Assistance understand changes in local housing markets; identify Knowing which homes might qualify for farm subsidies opportunities to improve tax, assistance, and zoning and which homes qualify for housing subsidies is policies; and reduce tax revenue losses from vacant or important to ensure that funds are fairly allocated. abandoned properties. For example, the historical definition of Fair Market Rents, used to allocate housing assistance, has always excluded units on acreage of more than 10 acres to U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 23
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Age asked since 1790. Provide Assistance to Children and Families AGE AND DATE OF BIRTH QUESTIONS Knowing the numbers and ages of children in ARE USED TO UNDERSTAND THE families in combination with other information, such SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF as household income, health insurance status, and DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AND TO poverty status, can help communities enroll eligible PRESENT OTHER DATA BY AGE. families in programs designed to assist them. For example, age data are used in targeted efforts to enroll eligible people in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Age data are used in planning and funding Insurance Program. government programs that provide funds or services for specific age groups, such as children, working- Educate Children and Adults age adults, women of childbearing age, or the older population. These statistics are also used to Knowing how many children and adults depend on enforce laws, regulations, and policies against age services through schools helps school districts make long-term building, staffing, and funding decisions. discrimination in government programs and in society. Age in combination with other information, such AGE DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: as disability status, language spoken at home, and poverty status, assists schools in understanding the Provide Assistance to Older Americans needs of their students and qualifying for grants that help fund programs for those students (Elementary Knowing how many people in a community are aged and Secondary Education Act of 1965). 60 and older helps local officials provide programs and services that enable older adults to remain Ensure Equal Opportunity living safely in their homes and communities (Older Americans Act). Age data are also used in programs Knowing the ages of people in the community that provide services and assistance to seniors, such in combination with information about housing, as financial assistance with utilities (Low Income Home employment, and education, helps government and Energy Assistance Program). communities enforce laws, regulations, and policies against discrimination based on age. For example, age information is used to analyze the employment status of workers by age (Age Discrimination in Employment Act). U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 25
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Ancestry asked since 1980. based on national origin. For example, ancestry A QUESTION ABOUT A PERSON’S data are used to enforce nondiscrimination in ANCESTRY OR ETHNIC ORIGIN IS education (including monitoring desegregation); to USED TO CREATE STATISTICS ABOUT enforce nondiscrimination in employment by federal VARIOUS ANCESTRY GROUPS. agencies, private employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations; and to enforce laws, regulations, and policies against discrimination in Ancestry data are used in planning and evaluating federal financial assistance (Civil Rights Act of 1964). government programs and policies to ensure they Understand Changes fairly and equitably serve the needs of all groups. These statistics are also used to enforce laws, Knowing whether people from different backgrounds regulations, and policies against discrimination in have the same opportunities in education, employment, society. voting, homeownership, and many other areas is of interest to researchers, advocacy groups, and ANCESTRY DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: policymakers. For example, ancestry data are used with age and language data to address language and Ensure Equal Opportunity cultural diversity needs in health care plans for the Knowing the ethnic groups in a community in older population. combination with information about housing, voting, language, employment, and education, helps government and communities enforce laws, regulations, and policies against discrimination U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 27
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Commuting (Journey to Work) asked since 1960. Journey to work data are used in planning and funding QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE PEOPLE for improvements to road and highway infrastructure, WORK, HOW THEY GET THERE, WHEN developing transportation plans and services, and THEY LEAVE, AND HOW LONG IT understanding where people are traveling in the TAKES ARE USED TO CREATE DATA course of a normal day. These data are also used to ABOUT COMMUTING OR A PERSON’S evaluate transportation plans to ensure they fairly and JOURNEY TO WORK. equitably serve the needs of all groups. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 29
Commuting (Journey to Work) asked since 1960—Con. COMMUTING DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: Ensure Equal Opportunity Knowing where people could reasonably commute Improve Transportation Planning from in order to work in a certain area is used by Knowing where people commute to and from, communities and businesses for employment planning, and what time of day they are commuting, helps and by communities and governments to enforce transportation planners create mass transportation laws, regulations, and policies against employment and metropolitan transportation plans that are discrimination. compliant with various transportation, environmental, and antidiscrimination regulations. Understand Changes in Commutes Local agencies and organizations use these statistics As commuting patterns change, information about to plan transportation programs and services that where people could reasonably commute from in meet the diverse needs of local populations, including order to work in a certain area is used to understand the disabled population, bicycle commuters, carpools, commercial markets and labor force participation, and and ride-sharers. Commuting data are also used to to plan local emergency response programs. forecast future use of new or updated transportation systems. 30 Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey U.S. Census Bureau
Computer and Internet Use asked since 2013. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COMPUTERS AND DEVICES THAT PEOPLE USE, WHETHER PEOPLE ACCESS THE INTERNET, AND HOW PEOPLE ACCESS THE INTERNET ARE USED TO CREATE DATA ABOUT COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE. These statistics were first released to the public in September 2014. The questions were added as a requirement of the Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2008. They help federal agencies measure the nationwide development of broadband access and decrease barriers to broadband access. COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: Ensure Residents Can Communicate State and local agencies can use these statistics to evaluate access to broadband in their communities. Schools, libraries, rural health care providers, and other public service providers also use this information. Communities ensure their residents are connected to assistance programs, emergency services, and important information. These statistics may also be useful to understand whether to use Internet or more expensive outreach methods for distributing important public health or safety information. Federal agencies use these data to evaluate the extent of access to, and adoption of broadband, with a focus on underserved areas. State and local agencies might choose to use these statistics to evaluate access to broadband in their communities. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 31
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Disability asked since 1830. QUESTIONS ABOUT A PERSON’S DIFFICULTY WITH SPECIFIC DAILY TASKS ARE USED TO CREATE STATISTICS ABOUT DISABILITY. Disability data are used in planning and funding government programs that provide funds or services for populations with disabilities. In addition, these data are used in evaluating other government programs and policies to ensure that they fairly and equitably serve the needs of all groups. These statistics are also used to enforce laws, regulations, and policies against discrimination. DISABILITY DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: Provide Adequate Housing Knowing the different types of disabled households in a community helps communities understand whether available housing meets the needs of residents. When housing is not sufficient or not affordable, disability data can help communities enroll eligible households in programs designed to assist them and can help communities qualify for grants from the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership Program, Emergency Solutions Grants, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS, and other programs. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 33
Disability asked since 1830—Con. Provide Health Care to Children and Families Provide Assistance to People With Disabilities Knowing the disability status of people in families Knowing how many people in a community over a in combination with other information, such as certain age have a disability helps local officials provide household income, health insurance status, and programs and services to older adults that enable them poverty status, can help communities enroll eligible to remain living safely in their homes and communities families in programs designed to assist them. For (Older Americans Act). Disability status data are also example, disability data are used to target efforts used in programs that provide services and assistance to enroll eligible people in Marketplace, Medicaid, to people with a disability, such as financial assistance and the Children’s Health Insurance Program with utilities (Low Income Home Energy Assistance (CHIP). Disability data are also used to ensure that Program). Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs are adequately serving these families. Understand Changes Knowing whether people with disabilities have the Ensure Equal Opportunity same opportunities in education, employment, voting, Knowing the disability status of people in the homeownership, and many other areas is of interest community in combination with information about to researchers, advocacy groups, and policymakers. housing, voting, employment, and education, Communities also need to understand changes in helps governments and communities enforce laws, the needs and geographic concentrations of people regulations, and policies against discrimination based with disabilities to ensure that they can meet the on disability status. For example, disability data are community’s needs during weather events, disasters, used to evaluate whether there are health care or and public health emergencies. public health program disparities based on disability status (Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000). 34 Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey U.S. Census Bureau
Fertility asked since 1890. communities, tribes, and the federal government A QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER A estimate the demand for health care through the WOMAN HAD A BABY IN THE LAST Indian Health Service. YEAR IS USED TO CREATE STATISTICS ABOUT FERTILITY. Understand Changing Households Knowing the characteristics of women who are giving birth, including where in the country they live, Fertility data are used in planning government is important to understand the relationships among programs and adjusting other important data, such different development patterns, including housing and as the size of the population eligible for different travel information, public health, and pollution. services, as new people are born. These statistics Though local vital statistics offices typically have can also be used to project the future size of the a count of births per year, fertility data are able to population and to understand more about growing provide federal program planners, policymakers, and families. researchers with additional statistics about the age, education, and employment of parents in households FERTILITY DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: welcoming children, and other important information Provide Health Care to Children and Families about the homes (age, size, etc.) and households (income, language spoken, etc.) for a more complete Knowing the number of women with a recent picture of families. birth in combination with other information, such as marital status, labor force status, household State and local agencies can use these statistics income, health insurance status, and poverty status, in combination with other information about can help communities understand changes in the new mothers, such as education and income, to demand for health care. For example, knowing how understand future needs for the local education many American Indian babies are born can help system and health services. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 35
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Grandparent Caregivers asked since 2000. GRANDPARENT CAREGIVER DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: Provide Assistance to Families Knowing more about families, particularly those where grandparents care for grandchildren, along with data about the ages of children, household income, disability, and poverty status can help communities enroll eligible families in programs designed to assist them, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and can help communities qualify for grants to fund these programs. These data are also used to evaluate programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Provide Assistance to Older Americans Knowing how many people in a community are over a certain age, including whether older Americans are caring for grandchildren, helps local officials fund programs and services targeted to reach older adults with the greatest economic and social needs (Older Americans Act). Understand Changing Households Knowing more about how often grandparents are responsible for the basic care for grandchildren and QUESTIONS ABOUT WHETHER A how long they have been responsible in combination PERSON IS THE PRIMARY CAREGIVER with information about age, presence of children, FOR HIS/HER GRANDCHILDREN AND income, etc., can help communities understand if HOW LONG HE/SHE HAS CARED available housing and services are meeting residents’ FOR HIS/HER GRANDCHILDREN ARE needs. USED TO CREATE STATISTICS ABOUT GRANDPARENT CAREGIVERS. Grandparent caregiver data help federal agencies understand the special provisions needed for federal programs designed to assist families, as older Americans are often in different financial, housing, and health circumstances than those of other ages. These data are also used to measure the effects of policies and programs that focus on the well-being of families, including tax policies and financial assistance programs. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 37
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Health Insurance Coverage asked and since 2008. Health Insurance Premiums and Subsidies starting in 2019. HEALTH INSURANCE DATA HELP QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SOURCES COMMUNITIES: OF A PERSON’S HEALTH INSURANCE ARE USED TO CREATE STATISTICS Provide Assistance to Children and Families ABOUT THE PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE Knowing the health insurance coverage status in COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE combination with other information, such as number AND THE SOURCES OF HEALTH and age of children in families, household income, and INSURANCE. poverty status, can help communities enroll eligible families in programs designed to assist them. For example, health insurance coverage status and age Health insurance data are used in planning data are used to target efforts to enroll eligible people government programs, determining eligibility criteria, in Marketplace, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health and encouraging eligible people to participate in Insurance Program (CHIP). Health Insurance data health insurance programs. are also used to ensure that Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs are improving health outcomes for families. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 39
Health Insurance Coverage and asked since 2008—Con. Health Insurance Premiums and Subsidies starting in 2019—Con. Provide Health Care for Veterans Understand Changes Knowing the number and characteristics of veterans Knowing the health insurance coverage status of eligible to use Department of Veterans Affairs health people in a community helps planners identify gaps in care, compared to those currently using services, community services, plan programs that address those can help communities and the federal government gaps, and qualify for funding for those programs. estimate the future demand for health care services Knowing more about changes in health insurance and facilities for veterans. coverage rates and the characteristics of people who Provide Health Care for American Indians have or do not have health insurance is also of interest to researchers, advocacy groups, and policymakers. Knowing the health insurance coverage status of For example, State Councils on Developmental American Indians can help communities, tribes, and Disabilities use health insurance coverage data in their the federal government estimate the demand for comprehensive reviews and analyses of the unmet health care through the Indian Health Service. needs of people with developmental disabilities. 40 Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey U.S. Census Bureau
Hispanic Origin asked since 1970. HISPANIC ORIGIN DATA HELP A QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER A COMMUNITIES: PERSON IS OF HISPANIC, LATINO, OR SPANISH ORIGIN IS USED TO CREATE Ensure Equal Opportunity STATISTICS ABOUT THIS ETHNIC Knowing about the Hispanic or Latino origin of GROUP. community members in combination with information about housing, voting, language, employment, and education, to help governments and communities These data are required for federal and state programs enforce antidiscrimination laws, regulations, and and are factors in the basic research behind numerous policies. For example, data on the Hispanic population policies, particularly for civil rights. Hispanic origin are used to: data are used in planning and funding government programs that provide funds or services for specific •• Establish and evaluate the guidelines for federal groups. These data are also used to evaluate affirmative action plans under the Federal Equal government programs and policies to ensure they Opportunity Recruitment Program. fairly and equitably serve the needs of the Hispanic •• Monitor compliance with the Voting Rights Act and population. They are also used to monitor compliance enforce bilingual election requirements. with antidiscrimination laws, regulations, and policies. •• Monitor and enforce equal employment Though many respondents expect to see a Hispanic, opportunities under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Latino, or Spanish category on the race question, •• Identify segments of the population who may not this question is asked separately because people of be getting needed medical services under the Hispanic origin may be of any race(s) in accordance Public Health Service Act. with the 1997 Office of Management and Budget •• Allocate funds to school districts for bilingual standards on race and ethnicity. services under the Bilingual Education Act. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 41
Hispanic Origin asked since 1970—Con. Understand Changes in the science and engineering workforce. Several federal agencies use these data to investigate whether Researchers, advocacy groups, and policymakers housing or transportation improvements have are interested in knowing if people of Hispanic and unintended consequences for the Hispanic population. non-Hispanic origin have the same opportunities in Data on the Hispanic population are used with age education, employment, voting, and homeownership. and language data to address language and cultural The National Science Foundation uses these data diversity needs in health care plans for the older to provide information on the Hispanic population population. 42 Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey U.S. Census Bureau
Home Heating Fuel asked since 1940. Estimate Future Energy Demand QUESTIONS ABOUT HOME HEATING Knowing the current users of certain heating systems FUEL ARE USED TO CREATE DATA and the kinds of systems used in new homes helps ABOUT HOME ENERGY USE. communities predict future demand for fuels and the future costs of systems in use in a community. For example, the Department of Energy uses these data to These data are used in government programs that project demand over the next 30 years, assessing the analyze community air quality and energy needs. energy needs of the U.S. economy in a domestic and Federal agencies use these statistics to forecast international context. future energy demand, analyze the fuels available to community residents, and plan and fund programs Measure Environmental Impacts that help low-income residents afford to heat their homes. Communities with older heating systems may have lower air quality at times when they are in high use. HOME HEATING FUEL DATA HELP Home heating fuel data are used to develop an inventory of the national aggregate emissions of each COMMUNITIES: greenhouse gas and to research and report on the Provide Assistance With Utilities relationships among different development patterns (including housing and travel information) and public Knowing which fuel is used to heat homes in health and pollution (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act). combination with the cost of those fuels and the characteristics of the low-income households that need assistance with their utilities, helps communities enroll eligible households in assistance programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and qualify for grants to fund assistance. These data are also used to evaluate whether these programs benefit eligible households. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 43
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Home Value and Rent asked since 1940. When rental housing is not affordable, rent data are QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MONTHLY used to identify rental distribution of housing units RENT AMOUNT OR HOW MUCH THE (the standard cost of different types of housing in HOME AND PROPERTY ARE WORTH different areas of the country) and to determine Fair ARE USED TO PRODUCE STATISTICS Market Rents, which the Department of Housing and ABOUT RENT AND HOME VALUE. Urban Development uses to determine the amount of tenant subsidies in housing assistance programs. When housing is not sufficient or not affordable, These data are used in government programs that housing cost data can help communities enroll eligible analyze whether adequate housing is affordable for households in programs designed to assist them residents and provide and fund housing assistance and can help communities qualify for grants from programs. These statistics are also used to enforce the Community Development Block Grant, HOME laws, regulations, and policies designed to eliminate Investment Partnership Program, Emergency Solutions discrimination in private-market housing, government Grants, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS, programs, and in society. and other programs. HOME VALUE AND RENT DATA HELP Plan Community Development COMMUNITIES: Knowing how the balance of rented homes, Provide Adequate Housing mortgaged homes, and owned homes changes over time can help communities understand changes in Knowing the different types of households in local housing markets and identify opportunities to a community (single people, couples, families, improve tax, assistance, and zoning policies. roommates, etc.) helps communities understand whether available housing meets the needs of Ensure Equal Opportunity residents. Housing costs in combination with relationship and combined income of all people in a Knowing more about people who rent and people who household helps communities understand whether own homes in the community in combination with age, housing is affordable. sex, race, Hispanic origin, disability, and other data, helps government and communities enforce laws, such as the 1968 Fair Housing Act designed to eliminate discrimination in housing. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 45
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Income asked since 1940. U.S. Census Bureau Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey 47
Income asked since 1940—Con. Provide Assistance to Children and Families QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUNDS A Knowing household income in combination with other PERSON RECEIVES FROM VARIOUS information, such as the number and age of children SOURCES ARE USED TO CREATE in families, health insurance status, and poverty STATISTICS ABOUT INCOME, status, can help communities enroll eligible families ASSISTANCE, EARNINGS, AND in programs designed to assist them. For example, POVERTY STATUS. income data are used to identify eligibility and provide funding in programs like Medicaid, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Head Start. Income data are used in planning and funding government programs that provide economic Educate Children and Adults assistance for populations in need and measure Knowing how many children and adults depend the economic well-being of the nation. Income and on services through schools helps school districts poverty estimates are often part of allocation formulas make long-term building, staffing, and funding that determine how food, health care, job training, decisions. Household income and family composition housing, and other assistance are distributed. determine poverty status, which is used along with school enrollment, information on disability status, INCOME DATA HELP COMMUNITIES: and language spoken at home, to help schools Provide Adequate Housing understand the needs of their students and qualify for grants that help fund programs for students with Knowing the combined income of all people in needs for additional services or assistance, including a household in combination with housing costs free/reduced price school lunches (Elementary and helps communities understand whether housing is Secondary Education Act of 1965). affordable for residents. When housing is not sufficient or not affordable, income data can help communities Plan Community Development enroll eligible households in programs designed to Knowing more about the financial situation of assist them and can help communities qualify for residents, including income, employment, and housing grants from the Community Development Block Grant, costs, can help communities qualify for loan and grant HOME Investment Partnership Program, Emergency programs designed to stimulate economic recovery, Solutions Grant, Housing Opportunities for Persons improve housing, run job-training programs, and With AIDS, and other programs. define areas as empowerment or enterprise zones. Provide Assistance to Older Americans Knowing how many older people in a community are living in poverty in combination with other information, such as age and disability status of other family members, can help communities ensure these residents receive appropriate assistance, such as financial assistance with utilities (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). 48 Questions Planned for the 2020 Census and American Community Survey U.S. Census Bureau
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